Ground

The first test will be played in Jahur Ahmed Stadium which traditionally assists spinners. Out of the top wicket takers Shakib leads the list with 31 wickets in 8 games. 8 out of the 10 bowlers in the top wicket takers list in this ground were spinners.

Score: Tigers 1 Black Caps 0

Bowling

Tigers have in their disposal a wide selection of spinners to cause trouble on a turning wicket. Leading the pack is Ice Man Shakib Al Hassan along with the ever reliable Shohag Gazi and the newly improved Razzak, who had a tremendous first class season recently. Black Caps have no one of note in the absence of Vettori and would be relying on Sodhi, the inexperienced leg spinner

Score: Tigers 1 Black Caps 0

Batting

Key players for the Tigers have been playing a lot of T-20 and ODIs and may struggle in the longer format due to lack of match practice as well as form. Shakib the lynch pin of the middle order has had a horrendous run with the bat lately and would be a huge concern in the middle order. Black Caps on the other hand, had a tough test series against England and a preparatory camp in Sri Lanka before coming here. Even without the services of Guptil, they still have the batting power to pose strong challenge.

Score: Tigers 0 Black Caps 1

Fielding

With the absence of horrendous fielders like Ashraful, Shahriar Nafees, Shahadat etc the tigers only have Razzak to worry about in terms of dropping catches. Black Caps have always been a great fielding side and this side is no different.

Score: Tigers 1 Black Caps 1

Captaincy and Strategy

Mushfiq has been a steady captain with great people skills and has lead through his own performance with the bat, however his tactical decisions and bowling rotations in the recent past have puzzled commentators and frustrated tiger fans to no end. Macullum a naturally aggressive batsman brings his aggression into his captaincy and is more likely to seize the opportunity to go for the kill

Score: Tigers 0 Black Caps 1

Conditions

With plenty of spinners available and no need for acclimatization, the Tigers hold the edge under the present hot and humid conditions in Chittagong. Despite the rigorous training NZ have put themselves through, with an all pace attack they are likely to feel the heat in the post lunch/tea